Christmas tree-cutting permits for White River forest land available now

Permits are now available for those who want to cut down their own Christmas tree on White River National Forest land.Courtesy USFS

GLENWOOD SPRINGS — National Forest Christmas tree permits are now available for purchase at White River National Forest Offices and community vendor locations. The cost per permit is $10, and permits may be purchased with cash, check or credit card. There is a maximum of five tree permits per person. Permits will be sold through Monday, Dec. 24.

“Harvesting a National Forest Christmas tree for the holiday season is part of a long-standing tradition on the White River National Forest,” said Kate Jerman, Forest Service spokesperson. “We encourage fourth-graders to take advantage of the free holiday tree program. Additionally, we are pleased to continue our partnerships with community vendors to make obtaining a Christmas tree permit more convenient by providing additional purchase locations.”

• Locally, permits are available at the Holy Cross Ranger Station located at 24747 U.S. Highway 24 north of Minturn; The Nearly Everything Store, 301 Broadway St. in Eagle; and Vail Valley Ace Hardware, 2111 North Frontage Road W., Suite C, in Vail.

• Fourth-graders are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit through the Every Kid in a Park Initiative. Fourth-graders must present a valid pass or paper voucher in-person at an office location. Vouchers can be printed from the Every Kid in a Park website; for information on how to earn a voucher, visit https://everykidinapark.gov. Mail-order form is not an option for this program, and the program is not applicable to community vendor locations. Only one free permit is allowed per fourth-grader.

• Mail-order permits are available by check or money order. Individuals can download and print an online form, fill out the form and mail it with payment to the Forest Supervisor’s Office in Glenwood Springs. Christmas tree permits will be mailed back within two to three business days.